In bone marrow, a lymphoplasmacytoid infiltration is found, i.e. both lymphocytes and plasma cells are present as well as cells that have features of both.Abstract:
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is included in the B-cell lymphoproliferative syndromes that have a low degree of malignancy. The disease results from a malignant proliferation of lymphoplasmacellular elements. As in multiple myeloma, a paraproteinemia is found which is always type IgM. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is rare.
Clinical picture:
Hyperviscosity syndrome, which can occur with high IgM concentrations, is typical for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Common symptoms include confusion, visual impairment and other neurologic symptoms. Enlarged lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly are also common. Therapy consists of plasmapheresis as well as chemotherapy.
Hematology:
Anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia of various degrees occur due to the replacement of normal hematopoiesis by the lymphoplasmacellular elements.
Bone marrow:
In bone marrow, a lymphoplasmacytoid infiltration is found, i.e. both lymphocytes and plasma cells are present as well as cells that have features of both.